Thank you for visiting "The Navigator – Live." Today's chat ended at 3 p.m. EST.

Today my guest was Rodney Jordan, co-founder of MelaNet, a black-oriented Web site. We spoke to Jordan about his site and the black-American experience on the Internet.

"The Navigator – Live" appears each Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern time. It's a live, moderated discussion offering washingtonpost.com users the chance to talk directly to intriguing and sometimes unusual guests who are shaping the digital world. "The Navigator" appears in The Washington Post print edition every Thursday. You can read past columns by following this link.

Linton Weeks: Hello. everybody and welcome to another episode of Navigator--Live. We're delighted to have Rodney Jordan with us. Let's get right to the questions.

Linton Weeks: What exactly is MelaNet?

Rodney Jordan: First, thanks for having me. This will be my longest reply -- I think. :-)

MelaNet, LC is a web development, hosting (www.html.com is a joint venture), and consulting firm headquarted in Norfolk, VA. We have provided our services to a wide range of clients from the small entrepreneur to government agencies to small/mid businesses to national organizations.

The MelaNet flagship website and MelaNet philosophy derives from the belief that the African-American experience is one of triumph, success, and leadership. To share with the Nation and the world the wonders of that experience is to enable all of us a human family to reach our highest potential.

My uncle wrote a book titled, "We Can Make It Together." In it he said, "With far too much focus upon how we [African Americans] got here, our leadership has in large measure herded us into the role of spectator-citizenship. We must summarily abandon that role. We are here--no matter how we got here. We must embrace the confidence to grasp the role of full participatory-citizenship. And in this role we must recognize that we are numerically small enough to be cohesive--numerically large enough to have meaningful impact--qualitative knowledgable enough to know what this country is all about--and energetically bold enough to provide the leadership for the fullrealization of its magical potential."

MelaNet is one way we are seeking to live up to that charge.

Linton Weeks: If you're presenting the "Uncut Black Experience" on MelaNet, where do you find the "Cut Black Experience"?

Rodney Jordan: You find the "Cut Black Experience" anywhere you find those apologizing for, being ashamed of, or whining about the African American experience or plight. By "UnCut" we seek to expose all the facets of the African American experience. We feel adults should be mature enough to discuss, debate, and decypher for themselves. We don't seek to censor our experience.

Linton Weeks: Tell us a little bit about yourself. When and how did you decide to launch the site?

Rodney Jordan: I am a 1987 Computer Science graduate of Hampton Institute
(now University). I've worked as a software engineer developing telecommunication, airline, and military applications.

My brother William and I have been looking for ways to use technology to advance African American business, improve lives, and share the African American experience since we were children. Again we believe if America is to reach its potential then African Americans must be active leaders and we must reach our potential.

We decided to launch the site in 1994.

Linton Weeks: Why do we need African American sites on the Internet?

Rodney Jordan: Because we have much to offer the world as Africans have since the beginning of time. A worldwide medium needs participation from all its people.

Linton Weeks: Didn't the Internet once hold the promise as a color-blind medium?

Rodney Jordan: If you consider hiding who you are a promise then I guess it still does. One does not have to identify their color. Rather than people denying who they are, I'd rather they face head on their own biases and work to correct them.

Linton Weeks: You charge businesses $45 a year to be listed in your Melapages. Do you allow non-black owned companies to advertise? How else does the MelaNet make money?

Rodney Jordan: MelaPages was started as a means to allow any Black business to be on the Net. When we started in 1994 the Black presence was not what it is today (and it still needs to grow and is growing). The other aspect of MelaPages is to allow those looking for an African-American firm
to do business with to find one.

Capitol Heights, MD: What is unique about your web site that blacks would be attracted to it?

Rodney Jordan: We have an online African Wedding Guide. A very extensive Kwanzaa site. The Clegg Series, When Black Men Ruled the World. And much more.

Richmond: Besides your own, what do you think is the best, Black website (produced and designed by Blacks and aimed toward a Black audience) on the internet?

Rodney Jordan: Hmmm... the numbers are growing so much. I like The Black World Today. And there are sites we are developing such as The Coalition of Black Investors (www.cobinvest.com) which is becoming the key site for Blacks seeking to increase wealth.

Washington DC: Rodney, I just checked out your site. It appears to be very good. As a people who have been outcast or second rate citizens in the US for centuries, how can you justify running a website that is exclusive to certain races? I am asking as a black man, concerned about creating organizations that are not entirely welcoming to everyone.

Linton Weeks: Lots of folks are asking questions like this one, Rodney.

Rodney Jordan: Our site is not exclusive to certain races. Our site is a promotion of African Americans and Blacks throughout the world. We have been fortunate to share MelaNet with publications throughout the world include Japan, Sweden, and other places.

Fairfax, VA: Do you see the Net being a contributing factor to the "great divide" between the have and the have nots in the this country especially in the black community?

Rodney Jordan: I see the Net as a medium for correcting the great divide. I spend a lot time working to set up learning centers in schools and communities with predominate African American populations. I know given the tools and exposure African Americans will excel in the digital world as we have in every medium where the opportunity existed.

washington dc: what is melanet doing to reach out to people of other colors?

Rodney Jordan: We work with people of other colors every day. We've developed partnerships and ventures with people of varying races. We find that people are comfortable with who you are when you are comfortable with who you are.

Linton Weeks: In the early days of the Internet, there was grave concern that computers would not be made available to poor people. Terry Lee of the Cyber-Youth Network in D.C. says that community organizations, churches and public libraries have made it possible for most people to get onto the Internet. "Access," he says, "has become less of a concern than it was before." Do you agree?

Rodney Jordan: It may be less of a concern because the access points are increasing. But we are still nowhere close to where we need to be and there's much work to be done to get us there.

Alexandria, VA: What are the some of the most popular sites on the internet for African Americans?

Rodney Jordan: blackgeeks.net, msbet.com, blackenterprise.com, everythingblack.com to name some

Washington, D.C.: Mr. Jordan,

This is not a question; but, a comment about the Greaseman.
The thought that management at 94.7 Classic Rock will tolerate the racist comments of Mr. Tracht (the Greaseman) is frighten and disappointing. I can not believe ratings are so important to the station that it would continue to overlook his racially motivated comments. Mr. Tracht is a man with tremendously flowed character and should not have access to our communities airways. He also needs someone to help him with his pain. A reprimand is not sufficient. I pray that someone at that station has the backbone to speak out against his comments and dismiss him. He does not deserve to be there. We need role models that will help us love each other so that we can grow strong as a nation. Not someone who teaches us hate. THE GREASEMAN MUST GO!! Please use your influence to express your distaste for his comments.

Bennie Braxton, American
bbraxton@sughrue.com
phanelso@erols.com

Linton Weeks: Any comment, Rodney?

Rodney Jordan: Well, I saw email about that today and at others request I forwarded it. Sometimes I think we as African Americans are too reactionary and overly sensitive. I like to hear what people really think (as long as it doesn't lead to violence). We need to know the Greasemans of the world exist. I'm not sure I understand fully the desire to censor him.

Linton Weeks: Well, we're about half-way through the hour and the questions continue to arrive like the snow flurries out my window. I'll take a sip of cherry coke and you keep asking Rodney great questions.

Rockville,MD: I'm a graduate student at Howard University in DC. My schoolmates and I are preparing to conduct a survey of why black businesses are not embracing e-commerce. What are your thoughts on this subject.

Rodney Jordan: Many businesses are. For example, Mypheduh Films (www.sankofa.com) has been using the web to sell the movies they produce and distribute. The movie industry would not cooperate in sharing Sankofa (a film dealing with slavery from an African perspective) so they've been using the Net to sell their video and have even conducted webcasts of their movies.

We do need more businesses using e-commerce but it's up to us to sell the case and demonstrate the benefits.

Washington DC: What are some of MelaNet's most interesting experiences on the web. Also, do you get hate mail.

Rodney Jordan: We did Johnny Cochran's first Internet chat. In fact we did a webcast with the entire Dream Team during the height of the OJ trial (in conjuction with Keith Watters and the National Bar Association). We also put the first funeral home on the Internet -- Carlos A. Howard Funeral Home.

Hate mail -- daily!! When we get the "niggers go home" email we usually thank them for visiting MelaNet and invite them to come again.

Philadelphia: Could you express your thoughts about the growing number of hate related sites on the internet today. Does Melanet take a stance on these site? Do they affect you? Who do you know of that is leading the way in fighting against these web sites?

Rodney Jordan: I believe it was in 1996 when Keith Watters, then President of the National Bar Association, addressed "hate" websites. We carried a webcast which was also being show on C-SPAN that dealt with online hate sites sponsored by the Bar.

Again, I do not support in any way sites that promote violence but I'm concerned about the censorship issue.

Bethesda, MD: I've heard of something called Black Geeks Online? Can you tell me what that is?

Rodney Jordan: Black Geeks Online is an organization started by Anita Brown (Miss DC) to promote Black online services and Black technical talent. The organization works to take Information Technology to the Black community and beyond. Visit blackgeeks.net or email Anita at missdc@blackgeeks.net for more information.

Woodbridge, VA: What advice would you give to someone interested in developing an African American site on today's Internet?

Linton Weeks: Rodney, several folks have asked this question today.

Rodney Jordan: Take a look at what's out there and see if you can help strenghten current sites. That's not to say don't do your own because we need more. Ask the current site creators what they are doing and how they've been doing. Find your niche and do your thing.

Washington,DC: Rodney, first of all what is the web address of your site? Next, what suggestions do you have to individuals who are trying to give back to their community and boost the technology awareness in our youth today? How should we stress the importance?

Rodney Jordan: The address of our main site is www.melanet.com.

Volunteer in the schools and fight for IT implementation. Find Black-owned computer companies (Performance Computers is in your area) and see what they are doing alreay and work with them. In every organization I'm in there's no meeting where I do not stand up and implore the members to get online.

Washington DC: What do you see as the future of African American on the Internet? Is there a role for the Internet in economic development of the "Black Community"

Rodney Jordan: I see the future as bright. Absolutely there's a role for the Internet in Black Economic Development. We've worked with Investment Banking firms looking at technology and the competitive advantages which exist in our communities.

What we need are some Black Internet IPOs. :-)

Virginia Beach: I have been reading this chat wondering where Melanet or Rodney Jordan draw the line between the spirit of the activist and the entrepenuerial spirit. It seems as though some successful black men/women have to defend their race and motivations as well as climb to their professional goals. Could you briefly describe your experience?

Rodney Jordan: I consider myself a Garvey capitalist. There is the reality that many African Americans do have to "defend" ourselves. Kinda sad isn't it?

You might have to email me at raj@melanet.com so I can give you a full reply on this one. :o)

Washington, DC: If you asked black business owners about setting up a store online, what is there #1 reason for not having done this so far? I'm assuming that it may be a lack of understanding of the medium or simply a lack of funds. Your thoughts.

Rodney Jordan: For small/micro businesses the #1 reason is unfamiliarity with the technology. But that reply is rapidly changing.

Washington, D.C.: What kind of e-commerce has been successful on black-oriented web sites? Examples?

Rodney Jordan: Again, Mypheduh Films (www.sankofa.com), Nigerian Fabrics and Fashions (www.melanet.com/nff), and Waller Jewelry, also on MelaNet just to name a few.

Linton Weeks: So you think the radio station was wrong to suspend the Greaseman?

Rodney Jordan: Wrong, no! I just wonder about the level of our reaction to it. In Virginia there was an effort to put the Rebel Flag on license plates. Considering the atrocities committed against African Americans by those using that flag, I understood and appreciated the opposition to the idea. Part of me though liked the idea of being to identify those who wanted to drive around with the logo.

Alex, VA: In all honesty I was suprised when I saw the topic of this chat. I can't help but wonder - how could whites and blacks be affected diffrently by he internet - or why is race and the internet even inthe same discussion. It just seems odd to me. Like "African Americans and Paper"... I have no doubt I could be missing something, I just wonder what?

Rodney Jordan: Because race is a core if not the core at what plagues our country and we need to talk about it and deal with it.

Linton Weeks: Do you have much contact with other African-American Web site creators?

Rodney Jordan: Yes. We communicate quite a bit. Should do so more. Black Geeks Online is a good vehicle for that.

Linton Weeks: And that concludes another installment in the ongoing exploration into this strange thing we call the Internet. Thanks to all the folks at Washingtonpost.com, to Vic and to J (who's working cribside). Thanks to Rodney Jordan and to all of you who asked splendid questions. Be sure and check out the other Internet shows at Washingtonpost.com. Lots of fellow reporters are talking about wild and wondrous things. Next week my guest will be Carolyn Louper-Morris of CyberStudy, a company geared toward students. We'll be talking about distance learning, distance cheating and other aspects of contemporary school life. Until then...

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